ST HELENS duo Paul Wellens (left) and Martin Gleeson have been left out of 22-man Great Britain squad for the forthcoming Ashes series.

With Keiron Cunningham having already been ruled out of contention with injury, the 2002 Super League champions now have just two representatives in the squad announced by Great Britain coach David Waite.

Scrum-half Sean Long and loose-forward Paul Sculthorpe will both be hoping to make the starting line-up when the first Test kicks off at the JJB Stadium, Wigan on Saturday, November 8.

Sculthorpe, currently rated one of the world's best players looks a certainty for selection but Long faces stiff competition from Bradford Bulls halfback Paul Deacon.

Bradford utility player Lee Gilmour, who is rumoured to be joining Saints for 2004, is in the party despite missing out on selection for the Bulls side which won the Grand Final last Friday.

The major surprise in the squad was the selection of uncapped Warrington forward Paul Wood.

Coach Waite admitted it had even taken Wood himself by surprise.

"He thought it was a wind up when I rang him with the news," said Waite. "He thought it was his mates having a go. It's a fantastic story.

"He has worked hard to come through and he has a specific role we believe he can perform for us."

Three other uncapped players have made the squad in the shape of Wakefield centre Gareth Ellis, Castleford forward Ryan Hudson and in-form Wigan winger Brian Carney.

Captaining the side will be Wigan's Andy Farrell.

He had been rated a doubt having struggled throughout the Super League play-offs with a knee injury but believes he will be fit enough to lead the team out.

Bradford veteran Mike Forshaw, also given the opportunity for another crack at the Aussies, has confirmed he will be playing his rugby for Warrington Wolves next season.

The back-row forward has signed a one-year deal with the Wolves having just won his second Grand Final with Bradford.